Eileen Key Interview

What inspired you to become an author?

My mother said I was born with a book in my hand (ouch) so books were always in my life. My writing career was jumpstarted by a fellow teacher. She invited me to attend a writers’ group-I did, and hated what I saw. After a Google search for Christian writers, I found the American Christian Romance Writers group. I joined as member 149 or so and the rest is history!

Who are your favorite authors? Why?

Oh man. A terribly hard question since I read so many books. I love the tension of a book by Brandilyn Collins, the tenderness of Kim Vogel Sawyer, the historical accurateness of Allison Pittman, comedy by Janice Thompson?. I could go on and on. I also adore mystery books by Earlene Fowler.

Tell us about your “road to publication.” Was it bumpy? Smooth? Why?

I’ve published nine stories in non-fiction anthologies: God Allows U-Turns, Soul Matters, and others, but fiction took longer. I don’t have 90 rejection letters, but I have quite a few and they’re pretty special because they proved my attempts at publication. I wrote five completed manuscripts which are now housed on a flash drive after rejection. I cringe when I read some of the scenes. Then in 2006, I heard about a new cozy line. I love mysteries, so I tried my hand. My wonderful agent, Tamela Hancock Murray, gave me some hints, and off my proposal went to Susan Downs. When I got “the call” I was with my daughter about to enter a restaurant. All I could do was cry. Pretty special moment frozen in time.

What are the qualities aspiring authors need if they want to be successful?

Recognize that the fiction book in your library was born after much hard work. Then get busy. Trite but true: write, write, write, read, read, read. James Scott Bell and Donald Maas have some incredible books on craft. Learn the ins and outs of your genre. Each has a technique! I don’t believe I’d have a book out if I hadn’t attended a writers’ conference. I’ve been to eight and gleaned so much from other authors. (Plus a ton of lifelong friendships.)

As an author, where do you see yourself in ten years?

Where God leads me. I never knew the “desire of my heart” would lie in the middle of the publishing industry, but God knew. I seemed to drift into this wonderful world of writers and He directed the flow from there. It’s been an amazing journey. One which still makes me shake my head in wonder. So I hope I’m writing!

Tell us something about you that readers would be surprised to know.

I can shear a sheep. City-girl with a daughter in Ag classes had to learn another craft! Maybe I will weave that into a story one day.

Tell us about “Dog Gone,” your novel released through the Heartsong Presents: Mysteries book club.

Cleaning lady, Belle Blevins, owner of Belle’s Featherduster, has leased property to her best friend for a pet spa. When an expensive pedigreed dog disappears, there’s a possibility the business will go belly-up and Belle won’t have money to pay her taxes. Then a series of pedigreed pups vanish, and Belle learns of the seedy underworld of dognappers. She becomes determined to find the animals and instead finds trouble.

What do you like about the cozy mystery genre?

I’ve particularly enjoyed climbing into the skin of a character and trying to get out of impossible situations with my life. It’s an exciting ride, full of possibilities.

What is the most important thing you want readers to take from your books?

God loves you, in spite of yourself. What’s next writing-wise for Eileen Key?

I’ve just finished a series of devotionals for a publisher and am working on Belle’s sequel. She just can’t seem to stay out of trouble.